HDTV Noob: Help Needed to Finalize Purchase

DreamCatcher

Hello all,

Im in the market looking to purchase my first HDTV. After a lot of (re)search and looking around, I have finalized at these three models:

-Sony 40S4100
-Sony 40V5100
-Samsung LN40B630

My budget is between 700-1000 bucks. I had my mind set on 40S4100, but after looking at the 40V5100 and seeing the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz, Im a little lost.

Which one do you all think is the best one out of the three? Thanks!

chinee

I definitely think you should go 120hz... future-proofing... it's better to have it than not.

I would rate both the 630 and V5100 pretty evenly on picture quality, sound and technical features, but,
- I'd give the Samsung the advantage on looks.
- Not sure about how well the 630 reproduces standard def from cable, but my Sony W4100 does a much better job than my Samsung 550. Advantage Sony.

With that said, I'd pick the Sony. But if you have a change of heart, Best Buy will gladly, and easily, allow you to exchange within 30 days.

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Sony 52" W4100 LCD, LG 42" PG25 Plasma, Sony 40W5100 LCD, Samsung BD-P2550 BD player, Panasonic DMR-EZ485V VCR/DVD Upconvert Player/Recorder, Samsung DVD 1080P9, PS3 Slim

Loves2Watch

I would choose the Samsung or a Toshiba (very highly rated). Have you not considered plasma?

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Theater 1 - Panasonic PT-AE4000U, Draper Premier 119" 16:9 Projector Screen, Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player.
Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's or Sony audio equipment.

DreamCatcher

Thanks a lot for the replies folks.

Nope, I am not looking into plasma. Based on my budget and screen size, I was told that I will not be able to afford a good plasma TV.

Yeah, the 120Hz refresh rate certainly showed a difference as opposed to the 60Hz one.

I haven't had a chance to actually see a demo of the Samsung yet, hopefully I will get to do it today when I go to Best Buy.

I was not able to find a lot of reviews on the Samsung one, so I am not sure how good it is.

Thanks again.

Nerologic

First off, who ever told you that you won't find a Plasma in that price range is WRONG. According to the LCD models you are interested in it seems you would like to purchase a set that is at least 40 inches. You can buy a Panasonic TC-P42G10 for a little less than any of those LCD's, The Plasma beats the picture quality out of any of those LCD's listed. On top of that, you would also get two extra inches with the Panny.

I would really considering looking into Plasma if i were you. The G10 and V10 Pannys are 2nd only to the Pioneer Kuro's.

Loves2Watch

I agree and in addition, plasma TV's refresh at a thousand times faster so there is no problem with motion blur/smear and the off axis viewing is much better than with any LCD display.

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Theater 1 - Panasonic PT-AE4000U, Draper Premier 119" 16:9 Projector Screen, Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player.
Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's or Sony audio equipment.

glennb1

Get a plasma.

DreamCatcher

Thanks again for the replies. I looked at a few plasma displays, but I don't think I would want to have one of them just yet. They seem to be heavier, and consume more power than their LCD counterparts. Also, I plan to use the display as my computer's monitor, and that may cause some screen burn issues.

Moreover, I don't think I am a discerning viewer that I would notice a big difference between LCD and plasma. From what I checked, Sony does not manufacture plasma displays, and the ones from Samsung are feasible only if I am going over 46".

I would really like to stick to a 40" screen, as I am living alone in a one-bedroom apt, with barely any space!

I was initially going to go with Sony (call me brand loyal haha.. had an oooold trinitron), but the Samsung just had way too many people backing to ignore.

So for the LCD ones, which one do you think would fit the bill?

I sincerely appreciate all your help!

IGExpandingPan

I don't think that's true. It's a question whether you can get full 1080P plasma at your price mark. You likely can.

I went LCD, but I'm an odd duck. I decided against 120hz due to price only. I went with the Toshiba 52rv535u and thus far my only complaints has been lame access to subtitles, and ordering the IR blaster was a challenge, but for my trouble they sent me a free one second day air.

But 40~46 inch in my model doesn't really exist.
46XV545U Is decent for LCD, but is above your pricemark at $1250 shipped (buy.com) (I noticed it less & B&H, but B&H is "used")
42XV545U is in your price mark on newegg $1020 Shipped. 42zv650u same price

But Plasma
Panny TC-P42S1 $1000 Sears, $1000 @ newegg (free shipping).

Just one example.

DreamCatcher

Thanks for the suggestions. I looked at them, but I feel I would still like to stick with the models that I mentioned in my first post.

So out of the three:

-Sony 40S4100
-Sony 40V5100
-Samsung LN40B630

which one do you folks think would be the best performing one?

Thanks!

add1t

I go with Samsung LN40B630
I like the model more than sony
it's up to you then

jmcohen23

if you have been satisfied with Sony thus far, then stick with them. the samsungs lack input sources compared to others.

have to also considered Vizio LCDs?

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Nerologic

out of all of your options i would go for the Samsung as it would have the better picture quality.

I really never recommend Samsung to anyone because of their poor customer service. (Bad experiences with them)

But yeah, get the LN40B630 if you insist on sticking to LCD.

numan2good

well from your given choices i will suggest samsung
http://www.nextag.com/LN40B630/compare-html
have a look on the price comparison.
yeah samsung is best if you stick to LCD.

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Numan Khalid